The Fifth International Conference on Cofactors (ICC-05) and Active Enzyme Molecule 2016 (AEM 2016) will be held in Unazuki, Toyama, Japan, from September 4 to 8, 2016.

ICC-05 follows the successful series of ICC: ICC-03 in Turku, Finland, 2011, and ICC-04 in Parma, Italy, 2014. ICC is formerly known as the International Interdisciplinary Conference on Vitamins, Coenzymes, and Biofactors, and was held in Awaji, Japan, 2005, and Athens, Georgia, USA, 2008. ICC focuses on the catalysis, structure, biosynthesis, and application and biomedical aspects of cofactors and cofactor-dependent enzymes.

AEM is a conference sponsored by the ERATO Asano Active Enzyme Molecule Project, the Japanese Society of Enzyme Engineering and the Society of Biocatalysis Japan, and deals with enzyme engineering and related areas.

Cofactors function through interaction with enzymes and proteins. Thus, enzyme engineering provides useful tools for the analysis of cofactors, cofactor-dependent enzymes, and cofactor-related proteins. On the other hand, enzyme engineering widens its possibility and applicability, such as production of useful chemicals and development of efficient catalysts, by exploiting the marvelous repertoire of catalytic and other functions of cofactors.

Here, considering the highly expected collaboration and fruitful results which would be brought about on both sides, we are organizing a joint conference, ICC05-AEM2016, in Japan.

The conference will bring together scientists from all over the world to exchange new ideas, recent results, and future perspectives in all aspects of cofactors, cofactor-dependent enzymes, and enzyme engineering. The program will include keynote lectures by distinguished researchers as well as ample space for young researchers to present their works. We plan to preserve time for communication and discussion between participants.

Unazuki, Toyama is not very well known to foreign visitors. However, it is endowed with spectacular natural resources and historical heritages. It is located in the mountainous area, but still not far from sea. The heavy snow in winter, absorbed by the mountains, is transformed into delicious mineral water in summer. Therefore, tourists can enjoy a variety of foods. Together with the beautiful nature, you will feel another aspect of Japan.

We are inviting you to participate in the conference ICC05-AEM2016 and share the joy of investigating cofactors and enzymes.